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I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone
I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone • Lesson 9 Bible Point
Jesus Loves Everyone
Bible Verse Jesus loves us (adapted from John 3:16).
Growing Closer to Jesus Children will n know that Jesus loves everyone, n realize that they love Jesus, too, and n express joy and thankfulness for Jesus’ love.
Teacher Enrichment Bible Basis
n I’m glad that Jesus loves everyone.
Luke 19:1-10
The story of Zacchaeus demonstrates for us how a life can change when Jesus’ love shines upon it. Even someone as crooked and hardened as Zacchaeus probably was can be softened by Jesus’ love. Because of that, we don’t have to give up hope for anyone. All the people you know have the potential of responding to Jesus’ love. All the people in the lives of your toddlers could be touched and changed by Jesus’ love. Jesus has shown his love for all of us—for you and for me and for the children you teach— and we can rejoice that his love has made such a difference in our lives.
Prayer • Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. • How has your faith in Jesus made you a new person? • When’s the last time you rejoiced over the love Jesus has for everyone? • Pray: Lord, thank you for transforming me with your love. Help me to show that love to the children I teach by…
Before the Lesson n Collect items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies listed in the chart on the next page. n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction in teaching the lesson.
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Lesson 9
This Lesson at a Glance Arrival Activities Direct children to one or more of the optional activities until everyone arrives.
What Children Will Do
Classroom Supplies
Welcome Time—Receive a warm welcome from the teacher and Cuddles the Lamb.
Name tags (p. 8), scissors, marker, tape or safety pins, CD player
Option 1: Hide ’n’ Peek—Hide in pretend treetops and “peek” at each other.
Medium-sized boxes, green construction paper, tape
Option 2: Special Guests—
Set a special table, and remember that Jesus ate with Zacchaeus.
Paper plates, paper cups, crayons, tape, newsprint, napkins
Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as
CD player
Bible Song—Sing a song about
Bible, CD player
Jesus Loves Everyone—
Round crackers, green construction paper, tape, banana or apple chips
Climb Up the Tree—Sing an action song, and learn that Jesus loves them.
CD player
Interactive Bible Bulletin Board—Review the Bible Point
Tape, green construction paper
Sing It Out—Sing an action song, and learn that Jesus loves them.
CD player
Bible Craft—Make unusual “treetop hats” to wear.
Green construction paper, paper bowls, glue sticks, crayons or markers
Bible Game—Wear their treetop
Hats from Bible Craft
Celebration!—Make invitations
Invitation pattern (p. 125), white or colored paper, crayons
Special Love—Say a prayer, and
Heart-shaped finger gelatin, napkins
Learning Lab Supplies
they help clean up the room.
Bible Story Time
the Bible.
Interact with sensory items on the StoryBoard as they hear the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10.
Bible Activities
with Cuddles the Lamb as they create a bulletin board together.
hats and pretend to climb up and down trees.
about Jesus.
Closing
have a snack.
*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.
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Arrival Activities n Welcome Time SUPPLIES: name tags (p. 8), scissors, marker, tape or safety pins, CD player • Play “Jesus Loves Us” (adapted from John 3:16) (track 9) track 9 from the CD as children are arriving. • Use Cuddles the Lamb to help you greet each child by name and with a warm smile. • Tape or pin a name tag to each child’s clothing. • Say: Today we’re going to learn that Jesus loves everyone. • Place Cuddles out of sight so the children won’t be distracted by him during the next activity.
It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point over and over throughout the lesson will help kids remember it and apply it to their lives.
n Option 1: Hide ’n’ Peek SUPPLIES: medium-sized boxes, green construction paper, tape Before class, collect a few medium-sized boxes. Tear green construction paper leaves and tape them to the sides and tops of the boxes to make “treetops.” Leave one end of each box open for children to crawl in. Set the treetops in one area of the room. As children arrive, invite them to crawl in the treetops and take turns “hiding” and being “found.” Encourage children to peek in the treetops and say, “Zacchaeus, you come down.” Then have the child who’s hiding crawl out of the box and let someone else hide. Remind children that Zacchaeus hid in a treetop to see Jesus and that Jesus saw him and told him to come down. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus because Jesus loves everyone.
n Option 2: Special Guests SUPPLIES: paper plates, paper cups, crayons, tape, newsprint, napkins Before class, cover a table with newsprint. Tape the newsprint to the table. Set out crayons, paper plates, paper cups, and napkins. Invite children to color the table covering and the paper plates and cups to make them festive. Then encourage children to set the table with the plates, cups, and napkins. As children work, remind them of how Jesus visited Zacchaeus’ house. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus and wanted to tell Zacchaeus about his love. Tell children that Jesus loves everyone.
Keep the decorated table set up to use during the Closing. The children will share special snacks at this party table.
n Pick-Up Time SUPPLIES: CD player track 2
As Arrival Activities draw to a close, gently mention that it will soon be time to clean up. Encourage children to help you pick up things in the room as you lead them in singing “Let’s Pick Up All Our Things” (track 2). Use the CD and sing the song to the tune of “Looby Loo.”
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Lesson 9
You may wish to invite a guest visitor, such as the minister or children’s minister, to visit with the children about Jesus’ love. Invite your guest to visit during the Closing and share a snack.
Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things And put them all away. Everyone here can help. Everyone here can help. Everyone here can help. Let’s put it all away. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. It’s time to stop our play.
Bible Story Time n Bible Song SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player Say: Who loves everyone? Jesus loves everyone. How do track 3 we know that? The Bible tells us. The Bible tells us that Jesus loves us and everyone. Show children the Bible. The Bible is God’s special book. The Bible tells us about God. Let’s sing a song about the Bible. Using the CD, lead children in singing “God’s Special Book” (track 3) to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” This is God’s special book. Yes, it’s God’s book you see! I learn about all God has done And his love for me! (Repeat.) Bible!
n Bible Story: Jesus Loves Everyone SUPPLIES: round crackers, green construction paper, tape, banana or apple chips Before class begins, please check to make sure the sensory items are still attached securely so the children can touch them without danger of pulling the items off or putting them into their mouths.
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Panel 1 Before class, tear two leaves from green construction paper for each child. Set the crackers, the paper leaves, the bananas, the punchout coins, and the figure of Zacchaeus beside you. Have children wash their hands. Fold the StoryBoard back so children see only Panel 1. Say: We’ve been learning that Jesus loves everyone. Point to Panel 1 and say: This is Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus lived in the town of Jericho. Zacchaeus wasn’t very big or tall—he was short. Stand up and show me how tall you can be. Raise your arms in the air and stand on tiptoe. That’s tall! Now squat low and show me how short you can be. Pause. That’s short! Nobody liked Zacchaeus because he wasn’t nice. People gave Zacchaeus money to pay their taxes. But Zacchaeus stole some of the money and put it in his moneybag. That wasn’t nice at all! Shake your finger and encourage toddlers to say, “No, no, Zacchaeus.” Zacchaeus used the money to buy things for himself. Let’s touch Zacchaeus’ robe and moneybag. Hold the StoryBoard so children can touch the robe, the coin, and the moneybag. Zacchaeus counted lots of coins. We’ll count yummy pretend coins. Hand each child three cracker “coins.” Let’s count our crackers before we gobble them up. Hold up a cracker each time you count a number aloud. One, two, three. Let’s count once more. One, two, three. Now eat your pretend coins while I continue the story. One day, someone special came to Jericho. Who do you think came to town? Let’s find out!
If you have very young children in your class, let them simply find and touch StoryBoard pictures and sensory items. Repeat the Bible Point often, and reinforce learning with hugs and smiles.
Panel 2 Open the StoryBoard to reveal Panel 2. Point to the picture of Jesus and say: Jesus came to town! Let’s clap to show how happy we are to see Jesus! Pause. We can touch Jesus’ beard. Have toddlers each touch Jesus’ beard. Ask: • How does Jesus’ beard feel? (Soft; nice.) Say: All the people wanted to see Jesus, so there was a big crowd. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, too, but he was too short to see over the crowd. What did Zacchaeus do? Pause for responses. He climbed a tree to peek at Jesus! Make the figure of Zacchaeus “climb” the tree and hide in the treetop. Now Zacchaeus could see Jesus. Let’s touch the tree and peek at Zacchaeus. Let children each touch the tree bark and peek in the treetop. We can play Hide ’n’ Peek in the treetops, too. Hand each child two paper leaves. When I say “hide,” cover your eyes with the pretend leaves. When I say “peek,” put your leaves down. Alternate saying “hide” and “peek” a few times. Then tape the leaves to the children’s clothing to remind them of the Bible story. Jesus stood under the tree and looked up. Jesus said:
“Zacchaeus, come down right away. (Look up and make a beckoning motion with your finger.) I’m going to your house today!” (“Walk” your fingers across your palm.) Slowly repeat the rhyme, and then encourage children to repeat it with you.
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Lesson 9
Say: The people in the crowd were very surprised! They didn’t like Zacchaeus, and they thought Jesus shouldn’t like him either. But Jesus loved Zacchaeus because Jesus loves everyone. Zacchaeus climbed down from the tree. Gently remove the figure of Zacchaeus from the treetop. Where do you think Jesus and Zacchaeus went? We can find out.
Panel 3
Important: Put the StoryBoard away and out of reach of children.
Open the StoryBoard to Panel 3. Say: They went to Zacchaeus’ house. What do you think Jesus and Zacchaeus are having for dinner? I think they’re having fruit. Let’s smell how yummy it is. Let children each scratch and sniff the fruit sticker in the bowl on Panel 3. Ask: • How does fruit smell? (Good; I want some.) Hold up the banana chips and say: We can taste fruit like Jesus and Zacchaeus ate. Hand each child several banana chips to eat. Ask: • What kind of fruit is this? (Bananas.) • What color are bananas? (Yellow.) • How do bananas taste? (Yummy; I like them.) Say: Zacchaeus was surprised that Jesus loved him. But we know that Jesus loves everyone. And we love Jesus, too. We can touch Jesus’ beard and say, “I love you, Jesus.” Have children touch Jesus’ beard and say, “I love you, Jesus.” Zacchaeus was happy that Jesus loved him, and Zacchaeus gave back the money he’d stolen. Let’s help Zacchaeus give back the coins. Have children jingle the moneybag. Then help them place punch-out coins in Jesus’ hand. Jesus loved Zacchaeus even when other people didn’t love him. I’m so glad that Jesus loves everyone! Let’s sing a song about Zacchaeus.
n Climb Up the Tree SUPPLIES: CD player track 10
Using the CD, lead the children in singing “Climb Up the Tree” (track 10) to the tune of “Three Blind Mice.” For extra fun, do the motions in parentheses.
Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Jesus is standing below the tree. (Look down and point.) Jesus loves you, and he loves me. (Point to a friend and then to yourself.) Jesus loves ev’ryone we see. (Point at everyone.) Climb down the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Say: It’s fun pretending to climb trees like Zacchaeus. Let’s see if we can find people hiding in the trees on our bulletin board.
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Bible Activities n Interactive Bible Bulletin Board SUPPLIES: tape, green construction paper Before class, tear green construction paper leaves. Then carefully untape all the people figures except Jesus from the bulletin board, and tape them in the treetops. Tape a construction paper leaf over each figure. Hide Cuddles in an easy-to-find place in the room. Sit with the children on the floor. Say: Where is Cuddles? It’s time for him to be with us. Let’s call Cuddles’ name. Cuddles! Cuddles! Where are you? Whisper: I think Cuddles is hiding somewhere, just like Zacchaeus hid in the tree. Let’s look for Cuddles. Have children hunt for Cuddles around the room and then bring him to you when he’s found.
Cuddles: Wheee! You found me! You found me! Teacher: Of course we did, Cuddles. We wanted to find you because we love you and we missed you.
Cuddles: I was pretending to be Zacchaeus, and it was fun. But I’m glad you
found me—and I’m glad you love me! (Gives everyone a cuddly hug.)
Teacher: We’re happy that you love us, Cuddles. And we’re really glad that
Jesus loves everyone. Jesus asked Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus loved Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus decided not to hide in the tree anymore, so he climbed down. I think the pretend people on our bulletin board are hiding like Zacchaeus. We can find them, and you can help us, Cuddles.
Cuddles:
Fun! I’m good at Hide-and-Seek!
Have Cuddles help each child peek under a leaf and then untape a paper figure. Let children retape the figures around the picture of Jesus. Each time a child places a figure, lead him or her in saying the Bible Point.
Teacher: Look at all the happy people on the bulletin board. They know someone
special loves them. Who loves everyone? (Pause while children say, “Jesus loves everyone.”) Zacchaeus knew that Jesus loved him, and that made Zacchaeus happy. In fact, Zacchaeus was so happy that he began spreading Jesus’ love to other people. Let’s sing a song about Jesus’ love.
Have children tell Cuddles goodbye, and then place him out of sight. Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
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Lesson 9
n Sing It Out SUPPLIES: CD player track 10
Using the CD, lead the children in singing “Climb Up the Tree” (track 10) to the tune of “Three Blind Mice.” For extra fun, do the motions in parentheses.
Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Jesus is standing below the tree. (Look down and point.) Jesus loves you, and he loves me. (Point to a friend and then to yourself.) Jesus loves ev’ryone we see. (Point at everyone.) Climb down the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Say: When we know that Jesus loves everyone, it makes us happy. We can make hats to remind us of Zacchaeus and that Jesus loves everyone.
n Bible Craft SUPPLIES: green construction paper, paper bowls, glue sticks, crayons or markers Set out green construction paper, glue sticks, and crayons or markers. Hand children paper bowls, and tell them to turn the bowls upside down. Invite children to tear green construction paper leaves and then glue the “leaves” onto the bowls to make “treetop hats.” Help children draw smiley faces on a few of the leaves. As children work, remind them of how Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus and that made Zacchaeus very happy. Be sure children’s names are written inside their hats. Say: Zacchaeus climbed up to a treetop to see Jesus. He discovered that Jesus loves everyone. Let’s wear our treetop hats to play a fun game climbing pretend trees.
n Bible Game SUPPLIES: hats from Bible Craft Stand with children in a circle. Say: When I say “Up the tree,” stand as tall as you can and raise your arms way up high. Let’s try that. Pause while children stand tall. Encourage them to really stretch high. Then say: When I say “Down the tree,” quickly sit on the floor. Let’s do that. Wait until everyone is seated. Alternate saying “Up the tree” and “Down the tree,” letting children stand tall and then sit down. If you have older toddlers, let them each have a turn being the Caller. End the game by saying, “Down the tree.” Then say: Whew! You’re good at climbing up and down. What did Zacchaeus and Jesus do after Zacchaeus climbed down from the tree? They had a party to celebrate that Jesus loves everyone. We are going to have a party, too! Our party will be at the end of class today. We can also pretend that some of our friends are coming to our party today. Let’s make invitations to invite our friends to love Jesus.
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n Celebration! SUPPLIES: invitation pattern (p. 125), white or colored paper, crayons Before class, photocopy the invitation pattern onto white or colored paper. Make sure there is one copy for each child. Give one invitation to each child. Set out crayons for children to share.
Say: We can tell our friends that Jesus loves everyone and invite them to love Jesus, too! Ask: • Who can you invite to love Jesus? (My friends; my mom; my teacher.) Say: If we love Jesus, he will be our forever friend and someday we will live with him in heaven. We want to invite people to love Jesus because then Jesus can be their forever friend, too. Let’s invite people to love Jesus now. Help each child write a name on his or her invitation. Then allow the children to decorate their invitations using the cake symbol from the “Symbols of Jesus” rubbing plates. Place the rubbing plate under the paper, and then rub a crayon across the top of the paper until the image appears. Say: When you go home, you can give this invitation to your special person and tell him or her that Jesus loves everyone! Right now, let’s pretend that we’re going to Zacchaeus’ house for a snack! Lead children to the snack table.
Closing n Special Love SUPPLIES: heart-shaped finger gelatin, napkins Before class, prepare a pan of finger gelatin. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out two shapes for each child and a few extras for visitors. If you have a special visitor such as a pastor or children’s pastor, have him or her tell the children the story of Zacchaeus and how much Jesus loves everyone. Have the visitor remind the class that Jesus especially loves children. Have children wash their hands. Gather everyone at the table you decorated in Option 2. Say: We’ve been learning that Jesus loves everyone. Let’s say a prayer and thank God for Jesus’ love. Fold your hands. Pray: Dear God, thank you for Jesus and his love. We’re so glad that Jesus loves everyone! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Lesson 9
Say: We’ve been hearing the Bible story of Zacchaeus and how he climbed a tree to see Jesus. After Zacchaeus came down from the tree, Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ house and was his special guest. Do you suppose they shared a special snack together? We can share special snacks today at our own party. Hand each child a napkin and two pieces of heart-shaped finger gelatin. Encourage children to retell the story of Zacchaeus as they nibble their treats. Have children wear their treetop hats home.
For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.
n Zacchaeus, Who Has Your Coin? Set a chair in front of the room facing the wall. Place the large plastic coin from Sensory Packet 2 under the chair. Choose one child to sit in the chair facing the wall. Have the rest of the children sit behind the chair. Tap one of the children to sneak up and snatch the coin, and then have all the children put their hands in their laps as if they’re hiding the coin. Say, “Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus, who has your coin?” Let the child sitting in the chair turn around and have up to three guesses to find the coin. Then choose another child to be Zacchaeus.
n Story Toss Before this activity, photocopy the story pictures on page 126. Color and cut out the pictures, and then tape them to paper plates. Tape the plates side by side on the floor. Have children stand in a circle around the plates. Hand several children punch-out coins from the StoryBoard. Let children toss the coins onto plates and tell whether the picture each coin lands on is Jesus, Zacchaeus, the moneybag, a coin, or a tree.
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Invitation Pattern
You’re Invited!
Jesus Loves Everyone!
Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2’s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
125
Story Pictures
126
Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2’s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone • Lesson 9 Bible Point
Jesus Loves Everyone
Bible Verse Jesus loves us (adapted from John 3:16).
Growing Closer to Jesus Children will n know that Jesus loves everyone, n realize that they love Jesus, too, and n express joy and thankfulness for Jesus’ love.
Teacher Enrichment Bible Basis
n I’m glad that Jesus loves everyone.
Luke 19:1-10
The story of Zacchaeus demonstrates for us how a life can change when Jesus’ love shines upon it. Even someone as crooked and hardened as Zacchaeus probably was can be softened by Jesus’ love. Because of that, we don’t have to give up hope for anyone. All the people you know have the potential of responding to Jesus’ love. All the people in the lives of your toddlers could be touched and changed by Jesus’ love. Jesus has shown his love for all of us—for you and for me and for the children you teach— and we can rejoice that his love has made such a difference in our lives.
Prayer • Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. • How has your faith in Jesus made you a new person? • When’s the last time you rejoiced over the love Jesus has for everyone? • Pray: Lord, thank you for transforming me with your love. Help me to show that love to the children I teach by…
Before the Lesson n Collect items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies listed in the chart on the next page. n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction in teaching the lesson.
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Lesson 9
This Lesson at a Glance Arrival Activities Direct children to one or more of the optional activities until everyone arrives.
What Children Will Do
Classroom Supplies
Welcome Time—Receive a warm welcome from the teacher and Cuddles the Lamb.
Name tags (p. 8), scissors, marker, tape or safety pins, CD player
Option 1: Hide ’n’ Peek—Hide in pretend treetops and “peek” at each other.
Medium-sized boxes, green construction paper, tape
Option 2: Special Guests—
Set a special table, and remember that Jesus ate with Zacchaeus.
Paper plates, paper cups, crayons, tape, newsprint, napkins
Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as
CD player
Bible Song—Sing a song about
Bible, CD player
Jesus Loves Everyone—
Round crackers, green construction paper, tape, banana or apple chips
Climb Up the Tree—Sing an action song, and learn that Jesus loves them.
CD player
Interactive Bible Bulletin Board—Review the Bible Point
Tape, green construction paper
Sing It Out—Sing an action song, and learn that Jesus loves them.
CD player
Bible Craft—Make unusual “treetop hats” to wear.
Green construction paper, paper bowls, glue sticks, crayons or markers
Bible Game—Wear their treetop
Hats from Bible Craft
Celebration!—Make invitations
Invitation pattern (p. 125), white or colored paper, crayons
Special Love—Say a prayer, and
Heart-shaped finger gelatin, napkins
Learning Lab Supplies
they help clean up the room.
Bible Story Time
the Bible.
Interact with sensory items on the StoryBoard as they hear the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10.
Bible Activities
with Cuddles the Lamb as they create a bulletin board together.
hats and pretend to climb up and down trees.
about Jesus.
Closing
have a snack.
*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.
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Arrival Activities n Welcome Time SUPPLIES: name tags (p. 8), scissors, marker, tape or safety pins, CD player • Play “Jesus Loves Us” (adapted from John 3:16) (track 9) track 9 from the CD as children are arriving. • Use Cuddles the Lamb to help you greet each child by name and with a warm smile. • Tape or pin a name tag to each child’s clothing. • Say: Today we’re going to learn that Jesus loves everyone. • Place Cuddles out of sight so the children won’t be distracted by him during the next activity.
It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point over and over throughout the lesson will help kids remember it and apply it to their lives.
n Option 1: Hide ’n’ Peek SUPPLIES: medium-sized boxes, green construction paper, tape Before class, collect a few medium-sized boxes. Tear green construction paper leaves and tape them to the sides and tops of the boxes to make “treetops.” Leave one end of each box open for children to crawl in. Set the treetops in one area of the room. As children arrive, invite them to crawl in the treetops and take turns “hiding” and being “found.” Encourage children to peek in the treetops and say, “Zacchaeus, you come down.” Then have the child who’s hiding crawl out of the box and let someone else hide. Remind children that Zacchaeus hid in a treetop to see Jesus and that Jesus saw him and told him to come down. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus because Jesus loves everyone.
n Option 2: Special Guests SUPPLIES: paper plates, paper cups, crayons, tape, newsprint, napkins Before class, cover a table with newsprint. Tape the newsprint to the table. Set out crayons, paper plates, paper cups, and napkins. Invite children to color the table covering and the paper plates and cups to make them festive. Then encourage children to set the table with the plates, cups, and napkins. As children work, remind them of how Jesus visited Zacchaeus’ house. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus and wanted to tell Zacchaeus about his love. Tell children that Jesus loves everyone.
Keep the decorated table set up to use during the Closing. The children will share special snacks at this party table.
n Pick-Up Time SUPPLIES: CD player track 2
As Arrival Activities draw to a close, gently mention that it will soon be time to clean up. Encourage children to help you pick up things in the room as you lead them in singing “Let’s Pick Up All Our Things” (track 2). Use the CD and sing the song to the tune of “Looby Loo.”
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Lesson 9
You may wish to invite a guest visitor, such as the minister or children’s minister, to visit with the children about Jesus’ love. Invite your guest to visit during the Closing and share a snack.
Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things And put them all away. Everyone here can help. Everyone here can help. Everyone here can help. Let’s put it all away. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. Let’s pick up all our things. It’s time to stop our play.
Bible Story Time n Bible Song SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player Say: Who loves everyone? Jesus loves everyone. How do track 3 we know that? The Bible tells us. The Bible tells us that Jesus loves us and everyone. Show children the Bible. The Bible is God’s special book. The Bible tells us about God. Let’s sing a song about the Bible. Using the CD, lead children in singing “God’s Special Book” (track 3) to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” This is God’s special book. Yes, it’s God’s book you see! I learn about all God has done And his love for me! (Repeat.) Bible!
n Bible Story: Jesus Loves Everyone SUPPLIES: round crackers, green construction paper, tape, banana or apple chips Before class begins, please check to make sure the sensory items are still attached securely so the children can touch them without danger of pulling the items off or putting them into their mouths.
118 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Toddlers & 2s
I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone
Panel 1 Before class, tear two leaves from green construction paper for each child. Set the crackers, the paper leaves, the bananas, the punchout coins, and the figure of Zacchaeus beside you. Have children wash their hands. Fold the StoryBoard back so children see only Panel 1. Say: We’ve been learning that Jesus loves everyone. Point to Panel 1 and say: This is Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus lived in the town of Jericho. Zacchaeus wasn’t very big or tall—he was short. Stand up and show me how tall you can be. Raise your arms in the air and stand on tiptoe. That’s tall! Now squat low and show me how short you can be. Pause. That’s short! Nobody liked Zacchaeus because he wasn’t nice. People gave Zacchaeus money to pay their taxes. But Zacchaeus stole some of the money and put it in his moneybag. That wasn’t nice at all! Shake your finger and encourage toddlers to say, “No, no, Zacchaeus.” Zacchaeus used the money to buy things for himself. Let’s touch Zacchaeus’ robe and moneybag. Hold the StoryBoard so children can touch the robe, the coin, and the moneybag. Zacchaeus counted lots of coins. We’ll count yummy pretend coins. Hand each child three cracker “coins.” Let’s count our crackers before we gobble them up. Hold up a cracker each time you count a number aloud. One, two, three. Let’s count once more. One, two, three. Now eat your pretend coins while I continue the story. One day, someone special came to Jericho. Who do you think came to town? Let’s find out!
If you have very young children in your class, let them simply find and touch StoryBoard pictures and sensory items. Repeat the Bible Point often, and reinforce learning with hugs and smiles.
Panel 2 Open the StoryBoard to reveal Panel 2. Point to the picture of Jesus and say: Jesus came to town! Let’s clap to show how happy we are to see Jesus! Pause. We can touch Jesus’ beard. Have toddlers each touch Jesus’ beard. Ask: • How does Jesus’ beard feel? (Soft; nice.) Say: All the people wanted to see Jesus, so there was a big crowd. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, too, but he was too short to see over the crowd. What did Zacchaeus do? Pause for responses. He climbed a tree to peek at Jesus! Make the figure of Zacchaeus “climb” the tree and hide in the treetop. Now Zacchaeus could see Jesus. Let’s touch the tree and peek at Zacchaeus. Let children each touch the tree bark and peek in the treetop. We can play Hide ’n’ Peek in the treetops, too. Hand each child two paper leaves. When I say “hide,” cover your eyes with the pretend leaves. When I say “peek,” put your leaves down. Alternate saying “hide” and “peek” a few times. Then tape the leaves to the children’s clothing to remind them of the Bible story. Jesus stood under the tree and looked up. Jesus said:
“Zacchaeus, come down right away. (Look up and make a beckoning motion with your finger.) I’m going to your house today!” (“Walk” your fingers across your palm.) Slowly repeat the rhyme, and then encourage children to repeat it with you.
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Lesson 9
Say: The people in the crowd were very surprised! They didn’t like Zacchaeus, and they thought Jesus shouldn’t like him either. But Jesus loved Zacchaeus because Jesus loves everyone. Zacchaeus climbed down from the tree. Gently remove the figure of Zacchaeus from the treetop. Where do you think Jesus and Zacchaeus went? We can find out.
Panel 3
Important: Put the StoryBoard away and out of reach of children.
Open the StoryBoard to Panel 3. Say: They went to Zacchaeus’ house. What do you think Jesus and Zacchaeus are having for dinner? I think they’re having fruit. Let’s smell how yummy it is. Let children each scratch and sniff the fruit sticker in the bowl on Panel 3. Ask: • How does fruit smell? (Good; I want some.) Hold up the banana chips and say: We can taste fruit like Jesus and Zacchaeus ate. Hand each child several banana chips to eat. Ask: • What kind of fruit is this? (Bananas.) • What color are bananas? (Yellow.) • How do bananas taste? (Yummy; I like them.) Say: Zacchaeus was surprised that Jesus loved him. But we know that Jesus loves everyone. And we love Jesus, too. We can touch Jesus’ beard and say, “I love you, Jesus.” Have children touch Jesus’ beard and say, “I love you, Jesus.” Zacchaeus was happy that Jesus loved him, and Zacchaeus gave back the money he’d stolen. Let’s help Zacchaeus give back the coins. Have children jingle the moneybag. Then help them place punch-out coins in Jesus’ hand. Jesus loved Zacchaeus even when other people didn’t love him. I’m so glad that Jesus loves everyone! Let’s sing a song about Zacchaeus.
n Climb Up the Tree SUPPLIES: CD player track 10
Using the CD, lead the children in singing “Climb Up the Tree” (track 10) to the tune of “Three Blind Mice.” For extra fun, do the motions in parentheses.
Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Jesus is standing below the tree. (Look down and point.) Jesus loves you, and he loves me. (Point to a friend and then to yourself.) Jesus loves ev’ryone we see. (Point at everyone.) Climb down the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Say: It’s fun pretending to climb trees like Zacchaeus. Let’s see if we can find people hiding in the trees on our bulletin board.
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I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone
Bible Activities n Interactive Bible Bulletin Board SUPPLIES: tape, green construction paper Before class, tear green construction paper leaves. Then carefully untape all the people figures except Jesus from the bulletin board, and tape them in the treetops. Tape a construction paper leaf over each figure. Hide Cuddles in an easy-to-find place in the room. Sit with the children on the floor. Say: Where is Cuddles? It’s time for him to be with us. Let’s call Cuddles’ name. Cuddles! Cuddles! Where are you? Whisper: I think Cuddles is hiding somewhere, just like Zacchaeus hid in the tree. Let’s look for Cuddles. Have children hunt for Cuddles around the room and then bring him to you when he’s found.
Cuddles: Wheee! You found me! You found me! Teacher: Of course we did, Cuddles. We wanted to find you because we love you and we missed you.
Cuddles: I was pretending to be Zacchaeus, and it was fun. But I’m glad you
found me—and I’m glad you love me! (Gives everyone a cuddly hug.)
Teacher: We’re happy that you love us, Cuddles. And we’re really glad that
Jesus loves everyone. Jesus asked Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus loved Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus decided not to hide in the tree anymore, so he climbed down. I think the pretend people on our bulletin board are hiding like Zacchaeus. We can find them, and you can help us, Cuddles.
Cuddles:
Fun! I’m good at Hide-and-Seek!
Have Cuddles help each child peek under a leaf and then untape a paper figure. Let children retape the figures around the picture of Jesus. Each time a child places a figure, lead him or her in saying the Bible Point.
Teacher: Look at all the happy people on the bulletin board. They know someone
special loves them. Who loves everyone? (Pause while children say, “Jesus loves everyone.”) Zacchaeus knew that Jesus loved him, and that made Zacchaeus happy. In fact, Zacchaeus was so happy that he began spreading Jesus’ love to other people. Let’s sing a song about Jesus’ love.
Have children tell Cuddles goodbye, and then place him out of sight. Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
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Lesson 9
n Sing It Out SUPPLIES: CD player track 10
Using the CD, lead the children in singing “Climb Up the Tree” (track 10) to the tune of “Three Blind Mice.” For extra fun, do the motions in parentheses.
Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Climb up the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Who do you see? (Shield your eyes and look around.) Jesus is standing below the tree. (Look down and point.) Jesus loves you, and he loves me. (Point to a friend and then to yourself.) Jesus loves ev’ryone we see. (Point at everyone.) Climb down the tree. (Make climbing motions.) Say: When we know that Jesus loves everyone, it makes us happy. We can make hats to remind us of Zacchaeus and that Jesus loves everyone.
n Bible Craft SUPPLIES: green construction paper, paper bowls, glue sticks, crayons or markers Set out green construction paper, glue sticks, and crayons or markers. Hand children paper bowls, and tell them to turn the bowls upside down. Invite children to tear green construction paper leaves and then glue the “leaves” onto the bowls to make “treetop hats.” Help children draw smiley faces on a few of the leaves. As children work, remind them of how Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. Point out that Jesus loved Zacchaeus and that made Zacchaeus very happy. Be sure children’s names are written inside their hats. Say: Zacchaeus climbed up to a treetop to see Jesus. He discovered that Jesus loves everyone. Let’s wear our treetop hats to play a fun game climbing pretend trees.
n Bible Game SUPPLIES: hats from Bible Craft Stand with children in a circle. Say: When I say “Up the tree,” stand as tall as you can and raise your arms way up high. Let’s try that. Pause while children stand tall. Encourage them to really stretch high. Then say: When I say “Down the tree,” quickly sit on the floor. Let’s do that. Wait until everyone is seated. Alternate saying “Up the tree” and “Down the tree,” letting children stand tall and then sit down. If you have older toddlers, let them each have a turn being the Caller. End the game by saying, “Down the tree.” Then say: Whew! You’re good at climbing up and down. What did Zacchaeus and Jesus do after Zacchaeus climbed down from the tree? They had a party to celebrate that Jesus loves everyone. We are going to have a party, too! Our party will be at the end of class today. We can also pretend that some of our friends are coming to our party today. Let’s make invitations to invite our friends to love Jesus.
122 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Toddlers & 2s
I’m Glad That Jesus Loves Everyone
n Celebration! SUPPLIES: invitation pattern (p. 125), white or colored paper, crayons Before class, photocopy the invitation pattern onto white or colored paper. Make sure there is one copy for each child. Give one invitation to each child. Set out crayons for children to share.
Say: We can tell our friends that Jesus loves everyone and invite them to love Jesus, too! Ask: • Who can you invite to love Jesus? (My friends; my mom; my teacher.) Say: If we love Jesus, he will be our forever friend and someday we will live with him in heaven. We want to invite people to love Jesus because then Jesus can be their forever friend, too. Let’s invite people to love Jesus now. Help each child write a name on his or her invitation. Then allow the children to decorate their invitations using the cake symbol from the “Symbols of Jesus” rubbing plates. Place the rubbing plate under the paper, and then rub a crayon across the top of the paper until the image appears. Say: When you go home, you can give this invitation to your special person and tell him or her that Jesus loves everyone! Right now, let’s pretend that we’re going to Zacchaeus’ house for a snack! Lead children to the snack table.
Closing n Special Love SUPPLIES: heart-shaped finger gelatin, napkins Before class, prepare a pan of finger gelatin. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out two shapes for each child and a few extras for visitors. If you have a special visitor such as a pastor or children’s pastor, have him or her tell the children the story of Zacchaeus and how much Jesus loves everyone. Have the visitor remind the class that Jesus especially loves children. Have children wash their hands. Gather everyone at the table you decorated in Option 2. Say: We’ve been learning that Jesus loves everyone. Let’s say a prayer and thank God for Jesus’ love. Fold your hands. Pray: Dear God, thank you for Jesus and his love. We’re so glad that Jesus loves everyone! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Lesson 9
Say: We’ve been hearing the Bible story of Zacchaeus and how he climbed a tree to see Jesus. After Zacchaeus came down from the tree, Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ house and was his special guest. Do you suppose they shared a special snack together? We can share special snacks today at our own party. Hand each child a napkin and two pieces of heart-shaped finger gelatin. Encourage children to retell the story of Zacchaeus as they nibble their treats. Have children wear their treetop hats home.
For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.
n Zacchaeus, Who Has Your Coin? Set a chair in front of the room facing the wall. Place the large plastic coin from Sensory Packet 2 under the chair. Choose one child to sit in the chair facing the wall. Have the rest of the children sit behind the chair. Tap one of the children to sneak up and snatch the coin, and then have all the children put their hands in their laps as if they’re hiding the coin. Say, “Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus, who has your coin?” Let the child sitting in the chair turn around and have up to three guesses to find the coin. Then choose another child to be Zacchaeus.
n Story Toss Before this activity, photocopy the story pictures on page 126. Color and cut out the pictures, and then tape them to paper plates. Tape the plates side by side on the floor. Have children stand in a circle around the plates. Hand several children punch-out coins from the StoryBoard. Let children toss the coins onto plates and tell whether the picture each coin lands on is Jesus, Zacchaeus, the moneybag, a coin, or a tree.
124 Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Toddlers & 2s
Invitation Pattern
You’re Invited!
Jesus Loves Everyone!
Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2’s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
125
Story Pictures
126
Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Toddlers & 2’s granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. group.com
